Support for the hypothesis that electro-stimulation is responsible for Lipoatrophia semicircularis
Introduction
Lipoatrophia semicircularis was originally described as a rare idiopathic clinical disorder characterised by semicircular impressions of the skin, due to disappearance (atrophy) of the subcutaneous fatty tissue (for a literature review, see [1]). Skin and underlying muscles are not altered. In most of the cases, the lipotrophic region is localized at the anterolateral part of both thighs in a symmetrical way (Fig. 1) but occasionally it is found only on one thigh or on arms or belly. It is usually also found at a height of approximately 72 cm, that is the height of the desktop of office desks. About 85% of afflicted subjects are women.
In the years 1974–1998, the scientific literature was almost exclusively devoted to case studies describing the phenomenon L. semicircularis (e.g., [2], [3], [4]). No description was given of the individual’s occupation, and hypotheses on the origin of this condition were put forward but not substantially investigated. It is only since the outburst of many cases within two large companies in Belgium that the relationship with the individual’s occupation became obvious [1], [5], [6]. Many cases were diagnosed more or less simultaneously some 6 weeks and more after the subjects moved into new or renovated buildings indicating that the origin must be sought in the office environment. Many other companies and institutions were afterwards identified where L.s. also became an important and worrying issue. At present L. semicircularis is well known in many companies in Belgium but also in the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, France and Spain. There is no reason to believe that it does not occur in other countries as well.
Section snippets
Possible hypotheses for L. semicircularis
A number of hypotheses were put forward in the literature or investigated in the afflicted companies. They involve the following aspects:
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Ergonomic factors and local pressure
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Local traumata (other than pressure)
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Diseases
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Indoor pollution
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Indoor climatic conditions: humidity, temperature
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Local thermal energy losses
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Electro-stimulation.
These hypotheses will be briefly discussed below. We will outline why we consider most of them not satisfactory. Our hypothesis on electro-stimulation in conjunction with
Further arguments in favour of electric fields as the main cause of L. semicircularis
Many observations point towards an electric origin of L.s. and hence it is not possible anymore to discard this, at least as a contributing factor in the onset of L.s. Our observations apparently point towards the conjunction of extreme low frequency electric fields (50 Hz, 230 V) from electric cables with data cables as the determinant factor. Above hypothesis of an electromagnetic origin of L. semicircularis was at first a hypothesis of electrostatic discharges (ESD) as the main cause of L.s.
Conclusion
According to the observations it seems obvious that L. semicircularis find its origin in the ‘electric’ environment of modern offices. However, other factors may contribute to the presence or absence of the lipoatrophy. Some findings from preliminary laboratory investigations can be seen as arguments in favour of “electro-hypersensitivity” of subjects with L.s. compared to subjects who do not contract L.s. Adapting the electro-environment of an office can be sufficient to minimize the risk of
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